Lakeville police disrupt multi-state organized theft ring
A suspect connected to the multi-state theft ring is caught on surveillance footage. Photos source: Lakeville Police Department
Police are still searching for the identity of this suspect, described as a Hispanic female, approximately five feet tall and believed to be from the Boston or Revere area. 
A suspect connected to the theft ring in the act of stealing merchandise.
A suspect connected to the multi-state theft ring is caught on surveillance footage. Photos source: Lakeville Police Department
Police are still searching for the identity of this suspect, described as a Hispanic female, approximately five feet tall and believed to be from the Boston or Revere area.
A suspect connected to the theft ring in the act of stealing merchandise.
LAKEVILLE — A Lakeville Police detective has led a regional investigation connecting a series of vape shop break-ins across Massachusetts and disrupted an organized theft ring linked to stolen vehicles.
According to a Friday, Jan. 30, report from the Lakeville Police Department, Detective Robert Schiffer coordinated a multi-agency effort that tied two break-ins at a vape shop at 12 Harding St. in Lakeville to a larger pattern of organized theft in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
The first break-in occurred on Dec. 5, when suspects used a stolen vehicle to force entry into the Lakeville business during the early morning hours. Thousands of dollars in merchandise and cash were stolen, and the building sustained extensive damage.
A second break-in, using similar methods and involving the same suspects, occurred on Dec. 13. Stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles were used in both incidents, according to police.
Using surveillance videos, intelligence sharing and multiple search warrants, Schiffer identified the suspects as being part of an organized group responsible for repeated vape shop break-ins, often targeting multiple locations in a single night.
The investigation linked incidents in Lakeville, Taunton, Acton, Bellingham, Saugus, Oxford, Waltham, Revere, Burrillville and Johnston in Rhode Island and East Hartford in Connecticut among others.
Police recovered multiple stolen motor vehicles, approximately $11,000 in stolen merchandise and key evidence linking suspects to the break-ins.
As a result of the investigation, one suspect, Chelsea resident Jokari Fuquay-Rios, 19, was arraigned on Jan. 29 in Wareham District Court. He is currently being held without bail until a pre-trial on Feb. 25.
Police stated arrest warrants and criminal complaints have been sought for additional suspects.
Lakeville police worked closely with regional and state law enforcement throughout the investigation.
“This investigation would not have been possible without regional cooperation and the dedication of motivated detectives who all wanted the same outcome,” said Detective Schiffer in a press release.
Police officials said the investigation remains active and additional charges are expected.
One suspect remains outstanding and is described as a Hispanic female, approximately five-feet tall and is believed to be from the Boston or Revere area.
Anyone with information can contact the Lakeville Police Department at 508-947-4422.
